“So You Think You Can Dance”: TV Recap

Last week on “So You Think You Can Dance”: After landing in the bottom three with Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune, and Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero, Paris Torres and Tony Bellissimo were selected by the judges to go home.

This week, dancer/choreographer Lil’ C joins the judging panel, which guarantees some bad comments. Unfortunately, they were not undeserved.

The Gorgeous: In general, I don’t like the waltz. At its best, it bores me. At its worst, it sends me off to raid the fridge. Asuka and Vitolio’s waltz was different. Yes, there were mistakes and it wasn’t technically perfect. But there are times when dance performances are so captivating, that the steps don’t need to be dead on. Last night, the Latin-ballroom diva and the contemporary powerhouse came together in a dance so moving and so emotional that I almost mimicked judge Mary’s tears. Last week they had a weak performance; this week they were among the best. They won’t see a bottom-three placement again tonight.

The Heartbreaking: Phillip Chbeeb and Evan Kasprzak. One was on the edge of his element, the other was way outside his comfort zone. Neither was good.

And the Rest: Popper Phillip’s tango with Jeanine Mason was a bit of a mess. There were times he was just putting down his feet rather than making it seem like dancing. British judge Nigel, again, found the perfect words to describe the performance when he said, “I just wish I could turn around and say, ‘Yes, it was fantastic!’ … It wasn’t good technically.” That said, I think the combination of Jeanine devouring the tango and his presumed fanbase will keep Phillip safe.

Broadway-dancer Evan and his partner Randi Evans should have knocked their jive outside the park, but he was too heavy for the bouncy dance, and his flicks weren’t as sharp as they could have been.

(Side Rant: Louis Van Amstel is a brilliant choreographer, and I love watching his routines — Asuka and Vitolio this week, Kayla Radomski and Max Kapitannikov last. But I am dying to see him actually dancing on my TV again. Come back to “Dancing With the Stars,” Louis!)

Predicted Bottom Three: Caitlyn Kinney and Jason Glover, Ashley Valerio and Kupono Aweau and, reluctantly, Randi and Evan. Also on tonight’s results show, actress Katie Holmes will be channeling her inner-Judy Garland, singing and dancing to “Get Happy.” She’ll share the stage in the Tyce Diorio-choreographed number with eight male dancers, who will match her suit and tie wardrobe.

Do you agree? Who deserves to be in the bottom? Why is Katie doing a performance number?